Image Source Stuff.co.nz

New Zealand racing icon “Inky” Tulloch has pretty much done it all during his 40+ year racing career. Recently however, he has set his eyes on a new endeavor: Endurance racing. Instead of following the multitudes and choosing a Porsche or say an Aston Martin, Stuff.co.nz reports that Tulloch visited German GT racing specialist Hans Reiter of Reiter Engineering and test drove one of his rare Sareni Camaros. The 650 horsepower Camaro made such an impression on him that he has decided to import one to his home country.

But, why a Camaro? The GT3 events in New Zealand allow for the likes of the McLaren MP4, Audi R8, and Porsche GT3. Wouldn’t that be enough? Not For Tulloch,

“The Camaro GT3 is built with the reliability for endurance racing, that’s why it appealed to me. It’s very predictable to drive, with great handling, brakes and power,” says Tulloch.”I also have a strong personal connection with Camaro, having won my first championship in a Camaro, the NZ GTX saloon car title, in the late 1970s.”

If you aren’t familiar with the GT3 Sareni Camaro, don’t be surprised, as to date there are only four in existence. The GT3 racer features a 650 HP 7.9L V8, 2012 Holinger Speed Shift System, and a Teves racing ABS disc brake system with fully adjustable traction control.

The unique look of the Camaro is achieved from a redesigned front bumper and fenders made out of ABS (an impact resistant thermoplastic), lightweight carbon fiber hood, and an adjustable carbon fiber wing. Combine that with a fully adjustable suspension and you have a track worthy racer!

“If everything goes to schedule the Camaro will be in New Zealand in early September,” Tulloch says.

Tulloch is planning on competing with the Camaro in September with the sole purpose of gearing up for the grueling Highlands 101 in November. The inaugural event last year was a huge success and features a fresh take on the infamous Le Mans running start. Teams of two, will battle for nearly four hours around the 4.1km circuit in Cromwell.

“I can see that endurance races will continue to rise in popularity with events like the Highlands 101. These events offer great racing for fans to enjoy, especially with the array of exotic cars we see in races like the 101. And in terms of racing a GT3-spec car, it’s fantastic to think you can race it anywhere in the world where GT3 races are run; you’ve also got a wider market should you ever wish to sell it.”